Professional LCD Monitors: NEC LCD2190UX and Samsung XL20. Page 3

Incorrect correct color reproduction is an issue with a lot of consumer LCD panels. Today we are going to take a look at professional LCD monitors that have been specifically optimized for work with colors. Please meet the three professional models from NEC and Samsung in our new detailed review!

So, the different matrix types suit differently for working with color not because of the numerically expressed color reproduction accuracy, but because of the matrix manufacturing technology, namely because of the viewing angles. A monitor whose output picture is noticeably distorted as soon as the user moves his head just a little does not suit for work with color however carefully you may calibrate it.

Comparing the viewing angles provided by different matrixes, we can easily see that S-IPS yields the broadest ones. S-IPS matrixes don’t distort colors even if your line of sight is deflected far from perpendicular, only the contrast suffers a little. A drawback of S-IPS is that black appears to have a violet hue when viewed from a side, but this effect isn’t very conspicuous on modern S-IPS matrixes.

MVA and PVA matrixes are second best, distorting colors somewhat more than S-IPS does. Moreover, these technologies both have one defect: they lose details in shadows when viewed at an exact perpendicular to the screen. But this defect is almost totally corrected in the last generation of such matrixes, called S-PVA.

Finally, there are TN matrixes with very poor vertical viewing angles. It’s hard to find a position for your head at which the same colors at the top and bottom of the screen looked identically. And if you try to move your head about, the colors are distorted wildly.

So when it comes to viewing angles, S-IPS matrixes suit best for work with color, *VA matrixes are somewhat worse but acceptable, and TN matrixes don’t suit for such work at all.

As I said above, the 2190 series includes two models on matrixes of different types, a more expensive and a cheaper model. Despite their identical declared viewing angles, it is exactly like described above: the more expensive model on an S-IPS matrix distorts colors less when viewed from a side.

Well, S-PVA has its own advantages like higher contrast, i.e. a lower level of black. In a dim room black is going to look darker on the LCD2190UXp than on the LCD2190UXi. The difference is not that great under daylight, though. *VA matrixes also have a smaller inter-pixel grid than S-IPS and individual pixels are less conspicuous on them.

The so-called crystal effect is often recalled in Web forum discussions of different matrix types. This effect can only be seen on S-IPS matrixes: solid-color areas seem to be shimmering or sparkling on them. But the extent of this effect is somewhat overstated. Firstly, it is well visible only from a short distance, like 30 centimeters, whereas it is recommended to sit at a distance of at least 60 centimeters from the screen. Secondly, it is most visible on matrixes from LG while the LCD2190UXi has a matrix made by NEC.

The monitors have rectangular, strict-looking cases. This is a typical solution for professional-level models because this market’s customers are overall more conservative and don’t take kindly to any design whims.

Each model comes in two variants, white (or rather light-gray) and black. In either variant the case is all the same color without any contrasting combinations like “a white top plus a black bottom”.

The monitors’ stand allows to adjust the height of the screen (by 150mm), to tilt it, and to turn it around into the portrait mode. The stand is sturdy, steady and easily adjustable. My only complaint about it is that it lacks some kind of a lock in the bottommost position. When the monitor is standing on a desk, the necessary height of the stand is maintained by means of its mass. But as soon as you try to lift it up, the stand stretches out to its full length with a rattle. This may be somewhat shocking when you’re taking the new monitor out of its package, so the manufacturer even puts a paper in there with an appropriate warning.

If necessary, the native stand can be replaced with a standard VESA mount for fastening the monitor on a wall or desk.